Realism and the shading intro

This week Lakeview art students have been learning about geometric solids and geometric shapes and how they relate to drawing a realistic still-life.

Students have viewed a video and read material on the life and work of the famous 17th century artist named Rembrandt. Rembrandt was a master of realism and used lighting in an innovative way to highlight his subjects.

Students have also begun exercises in value and shading techniques which will enhance their knowledge of realistic value drawing. In addition, students have reviewed the Principles of Art and how they relate to the study of a still-life composition and works of art.

In the area of community news, the Indian Prairie Library has an exciting art contest opportunity for student artists in grades 7-12th grade in the community. They are looking for original design ideas for the entry way walls for the new teen lounge.

For complete information and an application for go to: http://www.ipplteenlinks.org/
Appications must be received by October 10,2008.

The Element of Line and Modern art

This past week students finalized their contour line shoe drawings. Several 7th grade students also assisted in the matting and preparation of artwork for display.

In the area of art appreciation and art history, the 7th grade art students explored the Pop Art movement of the 1960's with an art video and class discussion. Students learned about the work of pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein who used contour line and everyday objects in their work. Students saw the connection between the use of contour line in advertising art,comic book characters and the work of the Pop Art period. Students used accentuated contour lines that were both thick and thin to create emphasis and drama in their artwork much like these modern pop artists did.

Also, in another way students were also exposed to another 20th century modern Dutch artist named Piet Mondrian who used line in a good part of his later work. Students explored this artist's intense use of line,shape and color through an art video and later class discussion about his work.

7th Grade Drawing unit

This week 7th grade artists have been working on their drawing skills. Students have been busy using their skills of observation and interpretation in a contour line expressive drawing of their shoe.
Each student is using the elements of line, shape,form,color, and texture to create their interpretation of their favorite shoe. Also, some students are adding expressive color effects and personal embellishments to their shoe drawing to give it a sense of their personality and interests.
Samples of these student drawings can be viewed in the Lakeview Jr. High showcases and Lakeview artroom.

7th Grade Drawing Unit begins

In 7th grade art we began our Drawing Unit with quick contour line drawing exercises of the face and human form. We also reviewed the basic elements of art and how they relate to drawing.

This week art students have been reviewing basic simple geometric solids and 3-D forms as they draw with a cartoon video. Students have begun to practice introductory shading techniques on their cartoon drawings.

In addition students began a worksheet on contour line drawing steps. After a review of sketching layout techniques the 7th grade students have begun to draw their own shoes with a focus on line,shape,and form this week in art.

Welcome back to the art program at Lakeview Jr.High.


We will be doing many different art activities for the first trimester for the 7th grade. Our focus will be two-dimensional imagery,art appreciation,and art history.

For the week of August 25,2008 Lakeview artists will begin their review of many art concepts, famous artists and their works, in addition to a review of the Elements and Principles of Art.

Lakeview Jr. High School
701 Plainfield Road
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Dear Parents,
As the art teacher of Lakeview Jr. High, I would like to welcome your child into the art program. My background consists of a Masters Degree in Art Education and a wide range of teaching experience at both the senior and junior high school level.
At Lakeview the sixth grade program is an introductory art program which explores the basic principles and elements of art through a variety of art experiences. These creative experiences and projects include art appreciation and some art history. At times, students may have an opportunity to assist in some school art display work and the presentation of finished artwork.
Student artwork is displayed in the Art Room, in the showcase, and in the Lakeview Junior High Art gallery space in the hallway by the lockers throughout the trimester. In addition digital images of samples of Lakeview student artwork can be found on the Lakeview Jr.High website.
In the seventh and eighth grade, students work on more advanced in-depth projects. These assignments are created in conjunction with the study of art history, famous artists, and art appreciation.

My class requirements include a grading system based upon individual grades for each final project and for some preliminary work. In addition, students receive grades on unit tests,quizes,and worksheets which cover major units of the curriculum and art history. These materials cover basic concepts and vocabulary for each grade level. On occasion, a system of bonus points are added to a student’s average for extra credit or enrichment assignments.
I look forward to having your child in my art class at Lakeview Jr. High.
Also, please feel free to call me if you have any questions about the art program.

Sincerely,

Miss Lehrer
Art Teacher

6th grade art closes with scenic landscape watercolors

The 6th grade artists have finished their landscape paintings in the watercolor medium. They have used their knowledge of the color wheel and various watercolor techniques in their artwork.

Also, students have been exposed to the paintings and life of American artist,Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer who were modern artists of the 20th century.

These artists are well known for their paintings and watercolors. Currently, there is beautiful retrospective of their artwork at The Art Institute of Chicago that shows the entire collection of their work.

Also, congratulations to the Class of 2008 as they start a new journey in High School.... Have a wonderful summer and we will see you in the fall in the Art Room.

Color Theory and Watercolor unit continues

This week students have finalized their watercolor color wheel and have learned about primary,secondary,intermediate and neutral colors. We have reviewed color vocabulary and terms,in addition to analogous and complementary color schemes.

Students have begun painting their watercolor landscape painting and have begun to explore various watercolor techniques which were demonstrated in class. The 6th grade artists are using their knowledge of linear perspective and the 3 parts of a landscape to create a realistic landscape or seascape for their watercolor painting. The students are enjoying their final 6th grade painting experience, as they learn to use a theme in their work such as the Illinois state symbols or Illinois scenic landscapes.